The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, expressed the Black Stars' strong commitment to ending Ghana's 40-year wait for the African Cup of Nations title. The team, making their 23rd AFCON appearance, will start their campaign in Ivory Coast with a group B opener against Cape Verde. Okraku highlighted the sacrifices and dedication of the players and staff, emphasizing their determination to achieve glory. Ghana last won the competition in 1982 and has come close in 2010 and 2015.

The Gambia national football team's flight to Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff due to a loss of cabin pressure and oxygen. The incident occurred nine minutes into the flight from Banjul to Yamoussoukro. The plane, operated by Air Cote d’Ivoire, returned safely to Banjul where the team conducted a training session. The Gambia Football Federation confirmed that all passengers were safe and in good health. The team had previously been in Saudi Arabia for pre-tournament preparations and is set to play against Senegal, Guinea, and Cameroon in the upcoming matches.

The 2023 African Cup of Nations features Group B with Egypt, Ghana, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah and managed by Rui Vitoria, has an 88% chance of reaching the last 16. Ghana, under Chris Hughton's management and with captain Andre Ayew, has an 80.9% chance of progressing and hopes to end a 41-year trophy drought. Cape Verde, with captain Ryan Mendes, has a 52.9% chance of reaching the last 16. Mozambique, led by 40-year-old Elias Pelembe, has a 44.5% chance of advancing. Key players from various clubs across Europe are highlighted for each team.

Bayern Munich will illuminate their Allianz Arena stadium to honor Franz Beckenbauer, who won multiple league titles and European Cups with the club. The special lighting will display 'Thank you Franz' and will be visible during specific evening hours and during Bayern's home match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Beckenbauer, a legendary defender and manager, also served as the club's president and is celebrated for his contributions to both Bayern Munich and the German national team.

Former NBA player Pops Mensah-Bonsu emphasizes the need for indoor basketball infrastructure in Ghana, following a two-day elite basketball camp organized by Seed Academy Ghana at the University of Ghana. The event aimed to inspire young basketball players and coaches, highlighting the importance of proper facilities, mental health support, and leadership skills. Mensah-Bonsu points out the lack of modern infrastructure in Ghana compared to other countries, stressing the need to provide equitable opportunities for young players to develop their skills and avoid being left behind.

The Black Stars will gather in Johannesburg, South Africa on December 31, 2023, to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire. They will train for ten days and play a friendly match against Botswana on January 8, 2024, before heading to Abidjan. Ghana is in Group B with Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique, and will start their campaign against Cape Verde on January 14, followed by matches against Egypt and Mozambique.

Togbe Afede XIV, Executive Board Chairman of Hearts of Oak, has criticized the National Sports Authority for suspending football activities at the Accra Sports Stadium to accommodate entertainment concerts during the Christmas season. This decision has forced Hearts of Oak, Accra Lions, and Great Olympics to relocate to other venues, with Togbe Afede questioning the logic behind prioritizing concerts over the Ghana Premier League.

Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif commends President Nana Akufo-Addo for his unparalleled record in sports infrastructure development in Ghana. Speaking at the commissioning of the 5,000-capacity Koforidua Stadium Resource Centre, Ussif highlighted the President's initiatives, including the construction of youth resource centers, renovation of national stadiums, and support for athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the significant impact of these efforts on sports development at all levels.

President Akufo-Addo inaugurated the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre, a 5,000-capacity multipurpose sports facility in the Eastern Region. The centre, built by Novaco Limited, includes a FIFA-standard football pitch, athletic track, courts for various sports, a gymnasium, counseling centre, IT hub, entrepreneurship centre, and restaurant. The event featured dignitaries like Minister for Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif and GFA President Kurt Okraku. The President emphasized the centre's role in youth development and announced upcoming inaugurations of similar centres in other regions.

The newly refurbished Koforidua Youth Resource Center, a 5,000 capacity multipurpose sports facility, will be managed by a third party to ensure sustainability. This decision, announced by Pius Henam Hadzide, CEO of the Ghana National Youth Authority, aims to address concerns about the competence of the National Sports Authority in maintaining sports facilities. The center, commissioned by President Akufo Addo, includes a FIFA-standard football pitch, a nine-lane athletic track, and courts for various sports. The National Youth Authority plans to leverage third-party facility managers for regular maintenance and proper usage.

An electrifying boxing match between Macbones and Konate is set to take place at the Bukom Boxing Arena on December 23, 2023. Macbones, also known as Freezy Macbones, is a rising star with a unique blend of power and speed, while Konate is a former African boxing champion who recently defeated Macbones in a middleweight qualifying match. The event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with both fighters in peak condition and an undercard featuring rising stars and local talent. The Bukom Boxing Arena, known for its passionate fans, will host this highly anticipated showdown.

The Detroit Pistons are on the brink of matching the NBA's longest single-season losing streak, sitting just one loss away after a 119-111 defeat to the Utah Jazz. This marks their 25th consecutive loss, with the current record held by the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers and the 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers at 26 losses. Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham insists the team is better than their record suggests and is hopeful for a turnaround. The Pistons' last victory was against the Chicago Bulls on October 29, and they currently occupy the bottom position in the Eastern Conference. The team's performance was hindered by 27 points conceded from turnovers, and head coach Monty Williams expressed significant disappointment with the effort in the game.

Jordan Ayew scored a first-half goal for Crystal Palace, leading to a 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League at Selhurst Park. Danny Welbeck equalized for Brighton with a header. This marks the fifth consecutive draw with the same scoreline between the two teams at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace's goal, assisted by Michael Olise after a mistake by Brighton's goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, was their first headed goal of the season.

Medeama SC's chances in the CAF Champions League were severely damaged following a 3-0 defeat to Young Africans in Tanzania. Young Africans now rank second in Group D, while Medeama is at the bottom. Goals from Pacome Zouzoua, Bakari Mwamnyeto, and Mudathiri Yahya secured the victory for the hosts. Medeama's Jonathan Sowah missed a penalty and received a red card. Young Africans are in a strong position to challenge group leaders Al Ahly in the upcoming matches.

Ghana Athletics has publicly challenged the government to invest $1 million in Ghanaian athletes, promising that such support would result in an Olympic medal. Despite Ghana's 18 appearances at the Olympic Games, the nation has not secured a medal in track and field events. Osei Asibey, the Vice President of Ghana Athletics, believes that Ghanaian athletes have the potential to excel if given adequate support, citing the success of other countries that have invested in their athletes.

Fluminense defeated Al Ahly 2-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals in Saudi Arabia, with goals from Jhon Arias and John Kennedy. Marcelo played a key role in breaking the deadlock. Al Ahly missed several chances and have now lost in the semi-finals four times. The Copa Libertadores champions, Fluminense, will face the winner of the match between Manchester City and Urawa Red Diamonds in the final.

Bawah Fuseini, President of Ghana Athletics, has announced the organization's goal to win a medal at the Olympics or World Athletics Championships within the next four years. He outlined the performance targets for athletes in various track and field events and emphasized the efficient use of limited financial resources to achieve success at continental and global levels. Ghana Athletics is focusing on the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2027 World Championship in Tokyo to prepare for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The UEFA Champions League round of 16 fixtures for the 2023/24 season have been set following the draw in Switzerland. Notable matchups include Napoli versus Barcelona, a rematch of their 2020 encounter, and Manchester City against Copenhagen, who surpassed Manchester United in their group. Real Madrid, the competition's most successful club with 14 titles, will face RB Leipzig, while last season's runners-up Inter Milan are drawn against Atletico Madrid. Other fixtures include PSG against Real Sociedad, Lazio versus Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven against Borussia Dortmund, and FC Porto versus Arsenal. The first legs are scheduled for mid-February, with the second legs in early March.

Mohammed Kudus scored two goals in ten minutes, leading West Ham United to a victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League. This win was a significant improvement from West Ham's previous 5-0 defeat to Fulham, marking their third win in five matches. Kudus's performance was notable for being the earliest double by a West Ham player in a home Premier League match since April 2011. The victory elevated West Ham to seventh place with 27 points, while Wolves remained in 13th place with 19 points.

Inaki Williams has joined an elite group of players with 400 or more official appearances for Athletic Club, following their 2-0 win over Atlético Madrid. The Ghanaian forward, who debuted in December 2014, holds the record for 251 consecutive LaLiga appearances and has scored 94 goals across various competitions. His contributions include a pivotal goal that secured Athletic's third Spanish Super Cup.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a Milwaukee Bucks franchise record of 64 points in a victory over the Indiana Pacers, surpassing Micheal Redd's 57 points from 2006. Post-game, a controversy arose when Pacers players took the game ball to give to rookie Oscar Tshiebwe for his first career basket, leading to a misunderstanding and a physical altercation in which Bucks' security retrieved the ball. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle called the situation 'unfortunate' and clarified that there were two game balls available.

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors has been indefinitely suspended by the NBA following his third ejection this season after striking Jusuf Nurkic of the Phoenix Suns. The suspension, which includes conditions for return set by the league and team, reflects Green's history of unsportsmanlike conduct. Green will lose a significant amount of his salary per game during the suspension. Meetings between Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., Green's agent Rich Paul, and the NBA are expected to discuss counseling for Green. Warriors coach Steve Kerr emphasized the team's need for Green and the importance of him maintaining his poise.

Manchester United have been eliminated from European competitions following a defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Bayern, already through as group winners, secured their position with a goal from Kingsley Coman, assisted by Harry Kane. United missed a significant opportunity early in the second half when Bruno Fernandes failed to score. Bayern extended their unbeaten run in the group stage to 40 games and set a record with nine consecutive away wins.

World Number 1 Novak Djokovic commends younger tennis players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for pushing him to reinvent himself. Despite winning most major titles this season, Djokovic faced significant challenges, notably losing to Alcaraz at Wimbledon and Sinner in the ATP Finals and Davis Cup. Djokovic's acknowledgment of these young talents highlights their rising influence in the sport.

Asante Kotoko's assistant coach David Ocloo believes their victory over Hearts of Oak will boost the team's morale to contend for the Ghana Premier League title. Steven Mukwuala's second-half brace led Kotoko to a 3-2 comeback win, marking their fourth victory in the last five league games. Ocloo praised the players' commitment and unity, as well as the fans' support.

Samartex 1996 FC leads the Ghana Premier League after a 2-0 victory over Hearts of Oak Lions, with goals from Emmanuel Mamah and Evans Osei-Wusu. Aduana FC fell to second place following a defeat by Nations FC. Other matches saw wins for Karela United, Legon Cities, Berekum Chelsea, and Bechem United, the latter extending their unbeaten run to five games.

Ghanaian forward Yaw Yeboah scored a crucial goal for Columbus Crew in their 2-1 victory over LAFC, securing their third MLS Cup title. The win followed a successful match against FC Cincinnati, where they claimed the MLS Eastern Conference title. The Crew capitalized on an early handball by LAFC's Diego Palacios, leading to a penalty goal by MVP Hernandez, followed by Yeboah's goal assisted by Malte Amundsen. Yeboah ended the season with 5 goals and 8 assists in 45 appearances.

Medeama's coach Augustine Evans Adotey remains hopeful for the team's qualification to the CAF Champions League knockout round despite a 1-1 draw with Young Africans. Medeama scored first with a penalty by Jonathan Sowah but conceded an equalizer to Peodoh Pacome Zouzoua. The team is currently third in Group D and will face Young Africans in Tanzania next Wednesday.

Antoine Semenyo, a Ghanaian international, was named Bournemouth's November player of the month after securing 38.6% of the vote on Twitter. Semenyo has been a key player for Bournemouth, starting eight out of twelve Premier League games this season and scoring three goals. Bournemouth achieved back-to-back Premier League wins against Newcastle United and Sheffield United, with their only defeat coming from Manchester City. Semenyo's consistent performance, including an assist and multiple Man of the Match nominations, contributed significantly to the team's success.

Bibiani Gold Stars, currently struggling in the Ghana Premier League, have dismissed head coach Michael Osei and named Frimpong Manso as his successor. Osei, who joined the club in August 2021 and achieved a 10th place finish in the 2021/22 season and 5th in the 2022/23 season, was let go following a home defeat to Nsoatreman. Manso, previously sacked from Bofoakwa Tano in November, will lead the team in their upcoming home game against Samartex.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is confident that his team will secure a record fourth consecutive Premier League title this season. Despite recent draws and defensive lapses, Guardiola believes that maintaining their current performance levels will lead to success. Manchester City is set to face Aston Villa next, aiming to narrow the gap with league leaders Arsenal to three points.

Santos, Pele's former club, has been relegated for the first time in their 111-year history after a 2-1 home loss to Fortaleza. Despite starting the final day in a favorable position, wins by Bahia and Vasco da Gama saw Santos drop to 17th place. Bahia secured their top-flight status with a 4-1 win over Atletico Mineiro, while Vasco stayed out of the drop zone with a 2-1 win over Bragantino. At the top of the table, Palmeiras secured back-to-back championships with a 1-1 draw against Cruzeiro, marking their record-extending 12th title.

Manchester United banned journalists from Sky, ESPN, Manchester Evening News, and the Mirror from a news conference with Erik ten Hag after reports of player dissatisfaction. The club stated the ban was due to the outlets not contacting them for comment before publishing. Sky Sports News reported that Ten Hag has lost support from some players, who are unhappy with his playing style and training methods. Ten Hag criticized the media for not approaching the club directly.

Jude Bellingham, now with Real Madrid, expressed his gratitude for football after receiving the 2023 Golden Boy award in Turin. The 20-year-old has had a successful start at Madrid, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's record for most goals in the first 15 games. Erling Haaland won the Golden Player Man award for his role in Manchester City's Treble win, scoring a record number of goals in a Premier League season. Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati was recognized as the best women's player, having won the Champions League and the Women's World Cup with Spain.

Black Queens coach Nora Häuptle expresses calmness, focus, and determination as her team prepares for the WAFCON final round 2nd leg qualifier against Namibia in South Africa. With a 3-1 lead from the first leg and a ten-game winning streak, Ghana aims to secure a spot in the tournament for the first time since 2018, alongside South Africa and Algeria who have already qualified.

Kudus scored the opening goal for West Ham in a match against Crystal Palace, bringing his total to five goals in all competitions since his summer arrival. Despite his efforts, including a disallowed second goal, the match ended in a draw. Key players mentioned include James Ward-Prowse, Vladimir Coufal, Tomas Soucek, Johnstone, and Jordan Ayew.

Mohammed Kudus continued his impressive start to the season as West Ham United defeated Manchester United 2-0 at the London Stadium, climbing into the top six of the English Premier League. Jarrod Bowen scored his 11th goal of the season, while Kudus netted his 10th goal in all competitions. Lucas Paqueta played a crucial role with assists for both goals. Manchester United struggled in attack, failing to score for the fourth consecutive match and will spend Christmas outside the top six for only the second time in 33 years.

Major European football clubs and leagues have rejected the revamped European Super League following a European Court of Justice ruling that deemed it unlawful for UEFA and FIFA to block clubs from joining. Despite the ruling, Manchester United and Bayern Munich reaffirmed their commitment to UEFA competitions. The European Club Association also dismissed the Super League, emphasizing the role of clubs in decision-making. However, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid remain committed to the breakaway league, with Barcelona's president advocating for its benefits.

Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, is preparing for the Fifa Club World Cup semi-final against Urawa Red Diamonds. Guardiola emphasizes the honor of participating and the challenges ahead. Key players Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland have traveled to Saudi Arabia despite recent injuries. Guardiola also comments on the upcoming expansion of the Club World Cup and the challenges of the football calendar.

The Black Queens have qualified for the Women’s African Cup of Nations for the first time since 2018 despite a 1-0 defeat to Namibia in the final qualifier in South Africa. They advanced on a 3-2 aggregate after winning the first leg 3-1 in Accra. This marks the first loss for head coach Nora Hauptle and only the second goal conceded under her leadership. Hauptle expressed pride in her team's performance and highlighted the mix of experienced and young players in the squad. Ghana joins South Africa and Algeria in the tournament set to take place in Morocco next year.

Kwesi Nyantakyi, former president of the Ghana Football Association, expressed concerns over the declining state of football in Ghana, citing poor performances of the Black Stars in recent major competitions. He highlighted the team's historical successes from 2008 to 2017 and contrasted them with early exits in tournaments since 2019. Nyantakyi called for collective efforts to improve the sport's standards in the country.

Chris Hughton, coach of the Black Stars, acknowledges the pressure following a goalless draw against Namibia but remains confident in the team's readiness for the AFCON 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast. Despite recent struggles, including only one win in five games and key player injuries, Hughton emphasizes preparation and believes the team's true readiness will be revealed in their opening match against Cape Verde. Concerns persist about ending Ghana's 45-year trophy drought, but Hughton remains focused on making the most of available resources.

Ghana's Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif blamed the Cycling Federation for the equipment issues at the African Games, following national champion Michael Naaba's withdrawal due to a faulty bicycle. The Minister stated that the Federation failed to submit the necessary equipment requirements, while cyclists claimed they had to use personal equipment. This incident is part of a recurring issue, with past instances of inadequate equipment at major tournaments. The article highlights the ongoing challenges and criticisms faced by Ghanaian cycling authorities.

Steven Mukwala's goal secured Asante Kotoko's third consecutive win in the Ghana Premier League, moving them to 7th place. The tightly contested match saw Mukwala score in the 40th minute, leading to a 1-0 victory over Berekum Chelsea. Asante Kotoko's coach, Prosper Ogum, aims to build on this momentum for their upcoming match against Hearts of Oak. Berekum Chelsea's coach, Christopher Ennin, expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating. Berekum Chelsea remains 6th on the table and will face Great Olympics next.

Antoine Semenyo scored his third goal of the Premier League season as Bournemouth drew 2-2 with Aston Villa. Ollie Watkins equalised in the 90th minute after Villa twice came from behind. Semenyo's early goal was followed by Leon Bailey's equaliser, Dominic Solanke's goal, and Watkins' late equaliser.

Asante Kotoko secured a late 1-0 victory over Real Tamale United in the Ghana Premier League, with Steven Dese Mukwala scoring a penalty. The win places Kotoko sixth in the standings. FC Samartex 1996 climbed to the top of the league with a 3-0 win over Karela United. Other notable results include Bechem United's 3-0 win over Nations FC and a 1-1 draw between Dreams FC and Accra Lions. Several teams, including Aduana FC and Nsoatreman FC, are closely contesting the top positions.

Mohammed Salisu made his debut for AS Monaco in the French Ligue 1 after recovering from a long injury, playing his first game since March 2023. Monaco won 2-1 against Rennes, with goals from Vanderson and Youssouf Fofana. Salisu expressed his happiness about returning to the field, and Monaco coach Adi Hütter praised his performance and resilience.

Seed Academy Ghana hosted a Coaches Leadership Conference as part of its two-day basketball camp aimed at empowering young people through basketball. Over 30 coaches were trained in various basketball techniques and communication by officials from the Basketball Africa League. The session was led by Lee Ann Osei from the Toronto Raptors' Coaching Development Team. Pops Mensah-Bonsu, the founder of Seed Academy Ghana, emphasized the importance of youth empowerment and the role of coaches in developing well-rounded individuals. The event was supported by the Ghana Basketball Federation and the Ghana Basketball Association, highlighting the program's significance in the country's basketball development.

Black Princesses coach Yussif Basigi has finalized a 23-player squad for the first leg of the final round qualifier in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup against Senegal. Newcomers Maafia Nyame, Persis Martha Oteng, Salamatu Abdulai, and Faiza Seidu join notable players like Mary Amponsah and Comfort Yeboah. The team aims to secure a seventh consecutive appearance at the biennial tournament in Columbia. The first leg is set for January 13, 2024, at Thies Stade Lat Dior in Senegal.

Kpando Hearts of Lions, a Ghana Premier League team, has parted ways with coach Salifu Fatawu after a winless streak since their promotion. Despite leading the team to the top flight for the first time since 2015, the club remains at the bottom of the league table with eight draws and five losses in 13 games. Public Relations Officer Eric Adzie cited difficulties in goal-scoring and home match performance as reasons for the mutual decision to seek new leadership.

Asante Kotoko SC will face Gold Stars in the Round of 32 of the MTN FA Cup at Duns Park in Bibiani. Nania FC, after eliminating Hearts of Oak SC, will play against Great Olympics. The draw for the Round of 32 took place in Accra, with other notable matches including Karela United vs. Kasalgu Arrow Heads, Wa Power FC vs. Real Tamale United, and Medeama SC vs. Skky FC. The matches are scheduled to be played from January 5-8, 2024.

Dreams FC coach Abdul Karim Zito emphasizes the importance of winning their CAF Confederation Cup fixture against Academica de Lobito to enhance their chances of progressing to the knockout stage. The match, held at Baba Yara Sports Stadium, is crucial for Dreams FC, who are currently third in Group C with 6 points, the same as first-placed Club Africain. A victory could propel them to the top of the group, depending on the outcome of the other Group C match between Rivers United and Club Africain.

Medeama SC coach Evans Adotey is determined to avoid defeat against Young Africans in their CAF Champions League Group D match in Tanzania. Despite logistical challenges and a delayed training session, Adotey remains focused on strategizing to secure a favorable outcome. Medeama is currently third in the group, tied on points with second-placed CR Belouzdad, while Young Africans trail by two points.

The 13th African Games beach volleyball competition has reached the quarter final stage. Ghana's men's team will face Morocco, while the women's team will compete against Mozambique. Ghana's men's team has won all four matches so far, including a decisive win over Algeria. Other quarter final matches include Kenya vs. South Africa, Senegal vs. Sierra Leone, and Mozambique vs. Botswana. Despite missing Rashaka Katadat, Ghana's women's team remains competitive with Juliana Aryee and Charity Torku. Additional matches feature Congo vs. Algeria, Morocco vs. Rwanda, and Kenya vs. Egypt.

Golf's governing bodies, R&A and the United States Golf Association, have announced new regulations to limit golf ball travel distances starting in January 2028. The rule aims to address the economic and environmental impacts of extending golf courses due to increasing driving distances. The new limit will be 317 yards, with a tolerance of three yards, tested at a swing speed of 125 mph. This change is expected to reduce driving distances for professional and elite male players by 9-11 yards and for LPGA players by 5-7 yards. The decision has received mixed reactions from professional golfers, with Rory McIlroy supporting it for enhancing skill in the game, while Keegan Bradley criticizes it as detrimental to amateur players.

Ghana's beach volleyball players are dealing with blisters from competing without protective sand socks due to shipment delays. Despite losing their quarter-final matches to Morocco and Mozambique, the players expressed gratitude for the support received but emphasized the need for better preparation and timely provision of equipment. The Sports Ministry and Federation were criticized for not providing essential items like sand socks and training apparels on time.

Victor Atsu Tamakloe's weekly column 'Hindsight' delves into the inspiring performance of Dreams FC against Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup, highlighting their resilience and potential. The article also examines the struggles of Hearts of Oak under Aboubakar Ouattara, particularly focusing on their goalkeeping issues. Additionally, it discusses Haruna Iddrisu's acquisition of Karela United and the challenges the club faces in achieving stability and success. The analysis provides a balanced view of the current state and future prospects of these football clubs.

Ghanaian boxer Freezy MacBones, also known as Seth Gyimah, will decide on his participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics after his rematch with Senegalese boxer Seydou Konate. MacBones, who lost to Konate in the Olympic qualifiers, is contemplating whether to continue his professional career or join the Ghana Amateur Boxing team for another shot at Olympic qualification in Italy next February. He emphasized that his decision will be made post-rematch, highlighting his ongoing learning process in both professional and amateur boxing.

Brazil forward Neymar will miss the 2024 Copa America in the USA due to his recovery from knee surgery. Neymar, who suffered a ruptured ACL and meniscus in October, is not expected to be fit until August. The Brazilian national soccer team's doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, emphasized the importance of a full recovery without rushing. Neymar, who joined Al-Hilal in August, has struggled with injuries and played only five games. Brazil is in Group D for the Copa America, alongside Colombia, Paraguay, and a CONCACAF qualifier.

A supercomputer predicts Ghana has a 5.3% chance of winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the tournament set to begin on Saturday. The host nation, Ivory Coast, will start the competition against Guinea-Bissau. Ghana's Group B campaign kicks off against Cape Verde. The Opta Supercomputer also forecasts Egypt to have a 47.2% chance of topping Group B, while Senegal is favored to win the tournament with a 12.8% chance. Other notable predictions include Ivory Coast (12.1%), Morocco (11.1%), and Algeria (9.7%).

The 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to begin, with Group A featuring top African football nations including Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea. Ivory Coast, the host nation, aims to leverage its strong squad to win the tournament. Nigeria, with a history of strong performances, looks to shine with key players like Victor Osimhen. Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea are also highlighted for their potential to make an impact. The article provides detailed insights into the teams' managers, key players, and past performances.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has invested $300,000 in purchasing footballs for clubs over the past three years, as part of the $8.6 million provided by FIFA Forward funding from 2016 to 2022. The FIFA Forward initiative supports football development for all its member associations. The GFA has also invested in IT equipment, capacity building, and administrative structures to support clubs and women's divisions. According to FIFA, Ghana has spent $8.6 million on various projects funded by the FIFA Forward programme since 2016.

The British government has informed Commonwealth Games organisers that it will not rescue the 2026 event after the Gold Coast withdrew its bid. This follows Victoria's earlier withdrawal due to cost overruns. The Commonwealth Games Federation is actively seeking a new host and hopes to update on progress by early 2024. The Gold Coast's withdrawal was confirmed by Mayor Tom Tate, citing insufficient support from state and federal governments. Victoria's decision to pull out led to a financial settlement with the Commonwealth Games Federation and related bodies.

Ghana's national cycling team, the Golden Bikers, faced significant challenges at the African Games due to substandard equipment. National champion Michael Naaba had to withdraw from the competition due to a faulty bicycle, highlighting the broader issue of inadequate resources. Cyclists like Naaba and Alberta Adobea have had to self-sponsor their equipment, including bicycles and footwear, which are not up to the competition's standards. This issue is not new, as similar problems were noted during the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Despite assurances from the National Sports Authority, the Cycling Federation's president, Mohammed Sahnoon, acknowledged the equipment shortcomings. The lack of support from the Sports Ministry and the Federation has left the cyclists at a disadvantage.

Ghana's national cycling champion Michael Naaba withdrew from the African Games 2023 cycling competition due to a faulty bicycle. The tube connected to his bike exploded shortly after the race began, and with no spare available, he had to discontinue. Naaba had previously raised concerns about the quality of the equipment provided by the Sports Ministry and the Ghana Cycling Federation, forcing him and his team to use personal gear. Despite his recent successes, including winning the 2023 National Cycling Championship, Naaba will now have to watch the rest of the competition from the sidelines.

Kwesi Nyantakyi, former President of the Ghana Football Association, has apologized to President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for implicating them in the 'Number 12' corruption expose. Nyantakyi, who was removed from office by FIFA and CAF in 2018 following the investigative report by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, admitted he was wrong to suggest bribing the President and other officials. He expressed regret for his comments and hopes for forgiveness. Nyantakyi is now a parliamentary candidate hopeful for the New Patriotic Party in the Ejisu constituency.

Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan supports John Paintsil's appointment as an assistant coach of the Black Stars, citing Paintsil's sacrifices for the national team and his coaching experience in South Africa. Paintsil, who played for the Black Stars from 2001 to 2013, was appointed by Ghana coach Otto Addo along with Joseph Laumann and Fatau Dauda.

Medeama SC has signed Diawisie Taylor on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old striker, who previously played for Karela United, Future FC in Egypt, and Al Merrikh in Sudan, is known for his impressive performance in the 2020/21 season where he scored 18 goals. Taylor is expected to enhance Medeama's attack as they seek to defend their Premier League title and will likely partner with Jonathan Sowah.